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Sak's Deli
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Our story

One family, one griddle, a stubborn Philly streak

Est. 2014

I opened Sak's in 2014 for a pretty dumb, simple reason. You couldn't get a real Philly cheesesteak anywhere near Clayton, and it bugged me until I finally did something about it. Nobody handed me a franchise playbook. There was no corporate test kitchen. Just my family, a griddle, and a stubborn streak I blame entirely on Philadelphia.

I still bring the rolls in from Philly, because some things you just don't cheap out on. I still try to know your name and your usual. And Mattie and Grace? They've got your order before you finish saying it. This place is ours, but after all these years, it kind of feels like yours too.

- Matt

What hasn't changed

The stuff we refuse to cut corners on

The rolls

Straight from Philly

Real Amoroso rolls, shipped up from Philadelphia. It costs more. It's the whole point.

The people

Family behind the counter

Mattie and Grace know the regulars by name and by order. That's not a training program, that's just how we run.

The town

Clayton, all the way

We're not a chain testing a market. We live here. Your kid's team, your church, your block party. That's us too.

Made when you order it

Fresh to order, every single time

Nothing sits under a heat lamp. Nothing gets made this morning and wrapped up for later. You order it, we make it. That's the only way we know how to do it.

Slower by a minute? Sometimes. Worth it? Ask anybody who's been coming here for years.

Fresh fries scooped to order behind the counter at Sak's Deli in Clayton NC
This is us

No stock photos. Just the real thing.

yeah, that's really our food

Through the years

Same family, same griddle, a few more gray hairs

Before the deli, during the deli, and every milestone in between. Same people, still showing up, still feeding this town.

Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years Sak's Deli family and crew through the years
Cult following, allegedly
The people have spoken

Don't just take our word for it (take theirs)

4.7
Top 5 of 118 restaurants in Clayton

"Hands down the best sub spot around. The Philly is the real deal and those house made chips are dangerous."

Google review

"Walked in, everything smelled incredible, everybody was smiling. Felt like a place that actually wants you there."

Yelp review